When to Bring Your Succulent Inside

It’s that time of year again. The weather is cooling, the leaves are changing colors and it’s time to start thinking about your plant situation. For those of us who have greatly increased our outdoor plant collection over the spring and summer months, this may be a daunting task. Never fear though, we’re here to walk you through it.

Most of my plants that need to be wintered indoors are succulents. They love the direct light that my patio offers them, so they live outside most of the year. However, watch that weather app because when the temperature drops below 40, it’s time to bring them into the safety of your heated home. Note that when it starts to get chilly (in the 40s and 50s), don’t immediately rush to bring in your succulents. It’s good for them to feel the colder weather–it makes them grow more hardy.

If you have the energy, if the temperature bobs over and under 40 degrees for a few weeks, it’s ideal to move them in and out so they can soak up some of that just-above-40-degree weather. However, if you’re like me and have multiple heavy succulents, this is less than ideal. In this case, just bring them inside once it gets below 40 degrees and leave them there.

Wintering Your Succulent

When you bring your succulents in, it’s a good time to do a little maintenance. First, check for bugs. This is gross, but necessary. You don’t want to accidentally bring some extra friends inside. This is another reason why it’s good to leave them outdoors as it flirts with 40 degrees. Bugs don’t like the cold. Also, pull off any dead leaves and maybe even add a little more pea gravel if some has fallen out during the rough and tumble summer months.

Succulent Light Needs When Indoors

Next, try to find the sunniest window for your succulent’s winter home. A south-facing window is preferable for most succulents, followed by a non-shady west window. Remember, different succulents have different light needs. Be sure to know what your succulents need and want. If you’re having trouble finding enough space for your indoor plants, you may consider building a plant shelf or adding a bench, table or stand for the winter months.

How to Water Your Succulent in the Winter

Finally, remember to back up your watering to once a month. Succulents are dormant in the winter months, so they require even less water than normal. You can mark your Succulent Calendar to ensure you don’t water too frequently. You’re welcome.

With your succulents inside with you, the winter months can feel cozy in your home. Don’t tell my family, but plants are my favorite house guests.